BOC seizes P12-million used clothes

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized some P12 million worth of “ukay-ukay” or used clothes from India and Hong Kong in two separate operations.

The used clothing was contained in four shipping containers intercepted by operatives of the BOC’s Enforcement and Security Services.

BOC Commissioner Angelito Alvarez ordered the conduct of a thorough investigation to unmask those behind the importation of the prohibited commodities, including BOC personnel.

The first two containers from India were declared as containing “clothing accessories” consigned to ACAB Enterprises. The two other containers, which were from Hong Kong, were consigned to Vanguard Logistic Services.

The commercial importation of used clothing is banned under Republic Act 4653.